Barks N’ Rec event to raise money for low-cost spay and neuter in Jessamine County

 

The Jessamine County Animal Shelter is gearing up for its third annual Barks N’ Rec event to raise money for low-cost spay and neuter programs to aid local shelters.

Last year, the event raised $11,000 towards the cost of the programs. This year, the goal is $15,000. To meet the goal, the Jessamine County Animal Shelter is asking for sponsorships from local businesses and advertisers.

“We are growing each year and hope each year it (will) continue to grow,” Jessy Couch, shelter manager at the Jessamine County Animal Shelter said. “This (event) helps residents with pets who are on low incomes and also our trap, neuter and release program in Jessamine County.”

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Riney-B Park located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. The event will include a 5K Fast and Furious Run, 3K Fun Run, Dachshund Derby, Weiner dog races, petting zoo, pony rides and spin the prize wheel. A pooch plunge finale is also scheduled at the local pool. Races range from $10 to $20 the day of the event, and the pooch plunge is $5.

“There are trophies and prizes for the top placing (in the races),” Couch said. “After that, we have a Dachshund Derby that is always fun to watch and the top-placing dog wins gift baskets and a cash prize. We have a small petting zoo, face painting and, lastly, the pooch plunge at 1 p.m., which we have had a great turn out for (before). Residents love to bring their dogs to play in the pool before it’s shut down for the winter.”

The event is co-hosted with the Jessamine County Parks and Recreation Department and is sponsored by Animal Hospital of Nicholasville, Anytime Fitness, Merck, Feeder Supply, Hillyard and Lyons, Prescription Pad, Zoetis, Locknet, Champions and Friends of Jessamine County.

Couch said the Jessamine County Animal Shelter also welcomes any vendors who wish to participate. Sponsorship opportunities are also available from $300 to $1,000.

Confirmed vendors include Feeder Supply, Happy Paughs natural dog treats, Blackburn BBQ and Hawaiian Ice. The Jessamine County Public Library will also be on site hosting a table with free items and a prize wheel with an hourly raffle and free pet-related items to give away.

“The money raised (also) helps fund our monthly low-cost feline vouchers,” Couch said. “The clinic is part of the Jessamine County Trap Neuter Return program, Jessamine County Animal Shelter and Dr.Stacey Burdick. Every three months we are able to offer 20 to 25 low-cost canine spay and neuters for Jessamine County residents. That is a group effort by Friends of Jessamine County and Jessamine Animal Shelter.”

To sponsor the event, contact jessaminecountyacc@gmail.com, or call 859-881-0821. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/2117512248488734/?ti=icl.